National Minimum Wage
National Minimum Wage 2026 UK
Current minimum wage 2026 UK rates, monthly earnings and take-home pay after tax and National Insurance for all age groups.
Minimum Wage 2026 UK — Rates & Take-Home Pay
Rates effective from 1 April 2026. Take-home pay calculated for 37.5 hours per week, 1257L tax code, 5% pension, no student loan.
| Age group | Hourly rate | Weekly | Monthly | Annual | Take-home |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21 and over (National Living Wage) | £12.71 | £477 | £2,065 | £24,785 | £20,473 |
| 18 to 20 | £10.85 | £407 | £1,763 | £21,158 | £17,992 |
| Under 18 | £8.00 | £300 | £1,300 | £15,600 | £14,190 |
| Apprentice | £8.00 | £300 | £1,300 | £15,600 | £14,190 |
Take-home pay after 5% pension, income tax and National Insurance. Based on 2026/27 rates. Use our hourly wage calculator for your exact situation.
Apprentice rate applies if you are under 19, or aged 19 or over and in the first year of your apprenticeship.
National Minimum Wage vs National Living Wage
The National Minimum Wage (NMW) is the legal minimum hourly rate that employers must pay workers aged under 21. The National Living Wage (NLW) is the higher rate that applies to workers aged 21 and over. Both are set by the UK government and reviewed annually.
Despite the different names, both are legally enforceable minimums. The NLW is effectively a higher tier of the NMW system. From 1 April 2026, the NLW is £12.71 per hour for workers aged 21+, while the NMW for 18–20 year olds is £10.85 per hour.
The Real Living Wage (set by the Living Wage Foundation) is a separate, voluntary rate based on the actual cost of living. It is higher than both the NMW and NLW. Many employers choose to pay the Real Living Wage as a minimum.
Minimum Wage Take-Home Pay by Age
What you actually receive after income tax, National Insurance and pension at 37.5 hours per week.
21+ (National Living Wage)
£1,706/month
£12.71/hr → £20,473 take-home
18 to 20
£1,499/month
£10.85/hr → £17,992 take-home
Under 18
£1,183/month
£8.00/hr → £14,190 take-home
Apprentice
£1,183/month
£8.00/hr → £14,190 take-home
When Does Minimum Wage Increase in 2026?
The new minimum wage rates take effect in April 2026. The exact date is typically announced in the Autumn Budget and confirmed by the Low Pay Commission. The rates apply from the first pay period in April.
The government usually announces the new rates in late November or December, giving employers several months to adjust payroll before the April implementation date.
Who is Entitled to Minimum Wage?
You are entitled to the NMW/NLW if you are of compulsory school age or older, work in the UK, and are not self-employed. This includes:
- Full-time, part-time and zero-hours workers
- Agency workers
- Workers on piece rates
- Apprentices (at the apprentice rate)
You are not entitled if you are self-employed, a company director, or a volunteer.
Frequently asked questions about minimum wage 2026 UK
What is the minimum wage in 2026 UK?
From 1 April 2026, the UK minimum wage is £12.71 per hour for workers aged 21 and over (National Living Wage), £10.85 per hour for 18–20 year olds, and £8.00 per hour for under 18s and apprentices.
What is the National Living Wage 2026?
The National Living Wage 2026 is £12.71 per hour for workers aged 21 and over. This is the highest tier of the UK minimum wage system and is a legal requirement for employers.
How much is minimum wage per month?
At 37.5 hours per week, the minimum wage monthly pay is approximately £1,706 (21+), £1,499 (18–20), or £1,183 (under 18/apprentice) after tax, NI and pension. Before tax, monthly gross is approximately £2,065, £1,763, or £1,300 respectively.
Does minimum wage include tax?
No. The minimum wage is a gross (before tax) rate. Income tax and National Insurance are deducted from your pay on top of this. Your employer must pay at least the NMW/NLW in gross pay, but your take-home will be lower after deductions.
What age do you get National Living Wage?
You are entitled to the National Living Wage from age 21 and over. Workers aged 18–20 receive the lower NMW rate of £10.85 per hour. Under 18s receive £8.00 per hour.
Related calculators
How We Calculate This
Tax year
2026/27 (6 April 2026 – 5 April 2027)
Last reviewed
30 August 2026
Default assumptions
Pension: 5% · Tax code: 1257L · Working hours: 37.5/week · Student loan: none
Results are estimates. Your payslip may include employer-specific deductions such as salary sacrifice, healthcare, or cycle-to-work schemes.